October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.
Breast cancer is a disease that develops from breast tissue. It may cause a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly-inverted nipple, or a red, scaly patch of skin. Additionally, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.
Is breast cancer a modern illness?
Breast cancer can be traced back to ancient Egypt, as early as 1600 BC. Because breast cancer is quite outwardly visible in its most advanced state, it is believed to have been frequently depicted by ancestors in their recordings.
How common is breast cancer?
Although it may seem that breast cancer has become increasingly more common, it actually hasn't.
According to statistics at BreastCancer.org, "41,760 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2019 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1989. Women under 50 have experienced larger decreases."
Decreases are believed to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.
How can I help spread awareness?
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, there are several ways to help women in need:
- Download the free Dense Breasts Q&A Guide
- Share the story of how you or a loved one have been affected by breast cancer
- Make a one-time or monthly donation to help provide a mammogram for a woman in need
- Host a fundraiser benefitting NBCF
- Volunteer to join in Helping Women Now
- Proudly wear a pink ribbon during October or year-round
- Share about Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn
About the Author
This blog was written by Ajene Hammonds, a student intern in the Marketing Office at Hocking College. Ajene is in the Business Management & Entrepreneurship program and hopes to go on to a four-year school and eventually get his MBA. Ultimately, he hopes to become a paralegal and start your own business.
